Detectives in Britain are investigating alleged abuse by staff at an NHS care centre where severely handicapped patients have allegedly been locked in cupboards and bullied.
One blind woman in her twenties, suffering from cerebral palsy and epilepsy, was said to have been punched in the face on two occasions for making noises and had a series of epileptic attacks.
Others patients were allegedly threatened and humiliated at the hands of carers at the Solar Centre at Balby, Doncaster.
Two members of staff have been sacked and two others have left the facility, which provides day care respite for around 10 severely handicapped patients aged from 18 to 50.
It is the second police probe into alleged abuse at the Solar Centre, situated in the grounds of St Catherine’s Hospital.
An earlier inquiry by South Yorkshire Police was halted after the Crown Prosecution Service ruled there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges, but detectives have now re-opened the case.
Two patients have accepted a compensation deal and three others are in legal negotiations with the Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber Mental Health Trust over their complaints, relating to incidents between 2005 and 2007.
The Trust has always refused to name the four staff alleged to have been involved.
Solicitor David Greenwood, representing some of the families, said: “We are talking about the abuse of probably the most vulnerable people in our society.These are people who are in care because they have multiple physical and mental difficulties. They are often unable to care for themselves or communicate.”
The evidence of abuse came from two staff “whistleblowers” fed up with the cruel regime, Mr Greenwood said.
The families have been keeping the pressure on police to investigate further and he wrote to the force asking for a review of the case as more evidence came to light.
The Trust said in a statement: “Events at the centre have been the subject of a detailed inquiry carried out by the Trust following which systems have been reviewed and changed.
“Two of the claims have concluded. There are three other cases that are currently in progress. The staff involved are no longer employed by the Trust.”
Last night a South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “We can confirm the case has been re-opened and files have been sent to the CPS for their consideration.” - Daily Mail